Some good people just don't make it

     It is the day after the list of names for those who were selected for Chief Petty Officer has come out. It took me a while to look through the list since I wanted to check every possible rating for people I have served with and was filled with joy as I counted up several names of Sailors who had just achieved an incredible milestone in their Naval careers. At the same time, I took a mental inventory of those names that I knew were not on the list.

                   

     A couple of names stuck out as conspicuously (to me) missing. These Sailors had worked directly for me. One of them was my LPO and for all intent and purpose was the LCPO. Everyone in the command knew how well he performed, that he was filling in for a billet gap and it was recognized in his evaluations from that period. I had seen his previous evaluations and they were good. On paper I know this Sailor was fully qualified for Chief, and I had observed him enough to know that if he had made it he would have done the job. Another Sailor I noticed was missing I could describe similarly: She was hardworking, dedicated, and acknowledged on the waterfront as one of the best at what she did. She more than once kept me out of trouble. Again, I know had she been selected she would do well as a Chief.

 
     The Navy is full of people who are fully qualified for various positions, promotions and appointments; but we do screen & promote only the 'most' fully qualified. As a result, some good people do eventually not advance to the next step in a career; it is the natural progression of things and that is okay. I have observed promotion boards from the inside and I know how they work, and I have faith in the system. At the same time, I find myself conflicted about these former shipmates of mine. I take solace in knowing that those who were on the list are not only as qualified as my shipmates but must have had something that made them even more qualified.